CINCINNATI (March 8, 2007) -- Tight end Reggie Kelly signed a three-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, choosing to stay with one of the NFL's top offenses rather than leave as an unrestricted free agent.

The 30-year-old Kelly played his first four seasons with Atlanta, his last four with Cincinnati. He caught 21 passes for 254 yards last season, his best totals with the Bengals.

Quarterback Carson Palmer called Kelly and lobbied for him to stay with the Bengals.

"He told me I was a large ingredient to our success, and that he wanted me back for leadership as well as football," Kelly said.